Management Guide of Sucking Insect Pest

Abstract

Sap feeders have typically piercing sucking mouthparts through which they suck sap from the plant, and due to this feeding, the plant produces specific symptoms. Their role as transmitting plant viruses is well known and considered a very important factor in achieving a desirable yield. Their small size, ability to develop quick resistance and biotypes make them very difficult to manage. Insecticide is considered the most potent weapon to cope with the sap feeders because of its quick knockdown effect and ease of application. At the same time, its indiscriminate use makes the situation harsh, leading towards the disruption of several ecological phenomena. We have seen a significant increase in honey bee colony collapse disorder in recent years, owing to extensive crop coverage with neonicotinoids. Similarly, the emergence of whitefly and jassids in Bt cotton as the dreadest pests is a result of not following the conservation of refuge strategy. As the crop ecosystem is a centre of multiple interactions between several biotic organisms along with abiotic factors, holistic approaches need to be developed combining cultural, mechanical, physical, biological, biopesticidal, and chemical management incorporating the host plant resistance.